“First of all, a mom who can’t stop smoking should breastfeed.”
No, this isn’t a joke or sarcastic remark. This is an actual quote from the “Breastfeeding and Cigarette Smoking” page on KellyMom.com. And it’s just one (of MANY) reasons that women should stop trusting KellyMom as a valid resource for breastfeeding.
I don’t know why what I’m about to say is a no-no among moms who exclusively breastfeed, but I really don’t care: If you’re a smoker, breastfeeding your baby is absolutely wrong. There’s this overwhelming misconception that breast milk is some sort of magic cure for all illnesses. I even had a lactation consultant come to my home and tell me that breast milk contained stem cells. OH REALLY? I’m pretty sure the scientific community would LOVE to know about this, seeing as they’ve been harvesting stem cells from a much less accessible source. Who knew that lactating women hold the power to create a brand new liver with milk from their boobs. Seriously? You ladies can’t be this dumb. But, I digress.
Women who insist that mothers breastfeed after consuming alcohol, tobacco, or certain over-the-counter medications because “breast milk has immunities” and will “protect” or “filter” the bad stuff may have missed the recent story about Ryder Salmen, the eight month old who died because his mother wouldn’t stop breastfeeding him. Despite being instructed by medical doctors that she should stop breastfeeding, the baby “tragically died after drinking toxic breast milk containing a lethal cocktail of methadone and Xanax and now his mother had been charged with murder”.
Hmm. I wonder why she wouldn’t stop breastfeeding. Could it be that she was repeatedly told “breast is best” by KellyMom and the internet boob-cult found on the mommy boards? Because, I’ve read posts, mother-to-mother, advocating the use of breast milk even if intoxicated (the exact words of the poster: “Breast milk from a drunk mom is better than formula”. Um, no. Actually, it is not better. It is what we educated folk like to call poison).
The question I urge moms to ask themselves is this: can we trust a source that insists on something so asinine? If secondhand smoke is bad for a baby, surely nicotine from breast milk is worse.
aldestrawk says
You seem to have a very strong opinion on breastfeeding and smoking. You should know though that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers who smoke should breastfeed rather than give their infant formula. Please read the following and educate yourself on this issue.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/108/3/776.full
As for the Ryder Salmen case, her doctor had recommended that she breastfeed while taking prescription methadone. It was the CPS who warned her not to breastfeed, not any doctor. In fact, the Sacramento CPS does not have an informed policy about breastfeeding and prescription drug usage. It would have been impossible for Ryder to have suffered an overdose via just breast milk. This was a misconception by the police that the media picked up on. The court case for Sarah Stephens, Ryder’s mother, should reveal the source for the methadone overdose.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I actually did “read the following” to “educate” myself, and it seems as though you are the one who needs educating (and a basic refresher on reading comprehension).
The link you provided features the American Academy of Pediatric’s guidelines to substances passed through breast milk. It clearly states that nicotine is passed through breast milk. Also, the study references the previous data that has not been discredited: “In the previous edition of this statement, the Committee on Drugs placed nicotine (smoking) in Table 2, “Drugs of Abuse-Contraindicated During Breastfeeding.” The reasons for placing nicotine and, thus, smoking in Table 2 were documented decrease in milk production and weight gain in the infant of the smoking mother and exposure of the infant to environmental tobacco smoke as demonstrated by the presence of nicotine and its primary metabolite, cotinine, in human milk.”
The reason breastfeeding has been encouraged in smoking mothers is based on the evidence that “among women who continue to smoke throughout breastfeeding, the incidence of acute respiratory illness is decreased among their infants, compared with infants of smoking mothers who are bottle fed.” So, sure, if you’d like to argue that, be my guest; however, the best thing for a baby is a mother who quits smoking. Nursing might be less detrimental if a mother continues to smoke, but nicotine is still effecting the newborn.
Also, the article you provided was published in 2001. More recent studies by the AAP have shown the dangers of smoking and nursing. Furthermore, the dangers of smoking around an infant are just as bad; for example, the risk of SIDS is greatly increased by the presence of nicotine in an infant’s lungs: “Infants who die from SIDS have higher concentrations of nicotine in their lungs and higher levels of cotinine (a biological marker for secondhand smoke exposure) than infants who die from other causes.” Source: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_effects/
I’ll be addressing this issue in my next post.
pkinsell says
To be fair, you weren’t originally arguing that smoking mothers quit. You were specifically bashing kellymom.com for suggesting that nicotine laced breastmilk was better than no breastmilk. Aldestrawk has wonderful reading comprehension skills. As well, your original post wasn’t arguing the “type” of stem cell found in breastmilk, but the stupidity of women believing there were stem cells in breastmilk at all. You may be educated, but you aren’t making effective use of it due to your extreme bias and that heavy chip on your shoulder.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Yes, I am arguing that smoking mothers quit. And I’m arguing that nicotine in breast milk is not better than formula. When someone reads “stem cells”, they often do not understand there are different types of stem cells. Acting like breast milk is a cure-all for everything is absolutely ridiculous. I’m writing focused articles based on research – no different from KellyMom. KellyMom selectively chooses the most bias research out there and actively puts down formula feeding moms by acting as if “every mom” can breast feed – going as far as to suggest that women should strap tubes to their chest to simulate breast feeding. It is absolutely ridiculous. I will not apologize for my commentary on KellyMom. Stop being a fangirl and read other research; KellyMom is as bias as websites come.
Emma says
It makes me really sad to see mothers who smoke demonised yet again – I work supporting pregnant women who smoke to give up, and it’s really difficult for many of them. There’s tremendous pressure on them from their partner, family, friends and medical staff to quit, so if a new mother is smoking, she’s doing it despite this pressure, and must find it really hard to quit. Mothers of infants need support and understanding, not judgement and criticism.
Secondhand smoke can be from other caregivers other than the mother. Similarly, however a baby is fed, they will be close to their mother, and the baby will be exposed to ETS. We recommend that mothers who smoke do so outside, with a coverup on, and wash their hands before coming back to baby to minimise these risks.
All mothers want what’s best for their baby, and we all do it, within our capacity, be it breastfeeding or quitting smoking, but if we can’t do it, that’s just the way it is.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
This post is regarding a breast feeding propaganda and the fact that nicotine, absolutely, passes through breast milk. This isn’t a bash against smoking moms – if a mom smokes, yes, she should quit, but she also shouldn’t be pressured into believing that formula is poison when, clearly, her breast milk is intoxicated.
Again, the very title of this post is “KellyMom Strikes Again: Smoking and Breastfeeding”, and it discusses the toxicity of breast milk when a mother smokes. It has nothing to do with “demonizing” moms.
Emma says
But why single one website out? KellyMom is just echoing the views of the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Cancer Society (and in my neck of the woods, the Australian Breastfeeding Association and the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing). Where’s your “CDC Strikes Again” post?
Yes, nicotine is passed through breastmilk and has an effect on baby. Breastfeeding is still promoted to mothers who smoke, as the outcome is overall better for baby. I never said formula was poison, just that breastfeeding is preferred (I suspect a key point we disagree on).
Harm minimisation has always been more successful than abstinence in health promotion and public health – people will continue to smoke, drink alcohol, eat unhealthy foods, and have unprotected sex, even though it’s harmful to them. We’re all doing the best we can, and some empathy wouldn’t go astray.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
For some reason, a lot of commenters want to make the assumption that I disapprove of breast feeding. This is absolutely not the case. I nursed my son, and I strongly believe that breast feeding is the best “formula” for infants; however, I do not buy the propaganda that breast milk is a magic elixir. I do not support the notion that “breast is best” for everyone; it’s not. There are some people, like those who smoke, abuse drugs, or have medical conditions, who should not breast feed because it is not the best situation for the mother OR baby. I single out KellyMom, because KellyMom poses as a scientific website with “fact-based evidence”, yet the only facts KellyMom shares are ones that support its own bias. I’ve written several articles on KellyMom and its misinformation, such as Nursing Under the Influence: Legal Pain Killers and Infant Death, because there are women who do not understand science or research who take KellyMom’s stance as blanket truth. The fact that infants have died due to mothers taking substances approved by KellyMom for nursing is disgusting. Is it all KellyMom’s fault? No. But there needs to be an active discussion about toxicity in breast milk, and how the things you put in your body absolutely have an effect on the nursing infant.
Chelsie says
Also, the article sites ONE study that found less occurrences of respiratory illness in breast fed infants with smoking mothers. ONE. Do we know the sample size? How data was collected? Was it a random sampling? And, is respiratory illness the only concern when a baby is regularly ingesting nicotine? Doubt it.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m sorry – I don’t understand your comment. Are you asking about more studies on breastfeeding and smoking?
Crystal says
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=breastmilk+stem+cells&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&ei=W6UZVfKLKcGmNt_LgogN&ved=0CBwQgQMwAA
A quick google search will show you that Breast milk DOES in fact contain stem cells. I think maybe you need to be more educated before you bash IBCLC’s who have far more education in human lactation than obviously you do.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
That’s cute. I’ve done the research. There are different types of stem cells. Breast milk does not contain the type of stem cells that would grow organs. Nice try, though, Dr. Google.
Cath Cooper says
Hi Mrs. Bottlesoup – this is so interesting – thanks for posting. I haven’t really researched the issue you’re talking about but will. What caught my eye was your comment about the lactation consultant who told you there were stem cells in breastmilk. Yes sounded unbelievable! However, have just done a little internet search and found a Melbourne University academic’s presentation on the subject – dated December 2013 – to the effect that breastmilk does contain stem cells, and that there is consideration of these being used for future research. So astounding! I am constantly bowled over by nature
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Very interesting. I’d love to read the article. Can you provide a link to what you’ve found? If that’s true, I’ll certainly be amending my arguments. Thanks!
Charise Echaria says
http://jhl.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/03/19/0890334413475528.extract
Hopefully relevant, thought not the same article
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thanks, but it’s still exactly the same information. Breast milk does not contain the stem cells that would grow organs.
Cath Cooper says
Hi Mrs. Bottlesoup
This is what I read:
http://mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/event/stem-cells-human-breast-milk
but when I google it seems there is quite a bit about stem cells in human breast milk, although don’t have the time to dive into them at the moment. Have a look and see what you find.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I did some research this morning.
Unfortunately, I was right. These “stem cells” are not true stem cells: “BMSCs fail one widely accepted test for embryonic cells: when injected into mice, they don’t form a type of tumour called a teratoma. For many this failure is a deal-breaker.”
While companies like Medela have jumped on the PR bandwagon, this “discovery” by Dr. Foteini Hassiotou has been perpetuated by lactation consultants despite no progress, no scientific evidence, and absolutely no confirmation since the study was released in 2007.
Breast milk does not contain stem cells useful for anything other than growing a baby. And, for the record, you should be happy. Do we really want to farm lactating women?
http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/about-medela/media/global-press-releases/medela-stemcells.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21729084.800-are-breast-milk-stem-cells-the-real-deal-for-medicine.html
Jenny says
Interested to know if you breastfed your child/ren?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Yes.
jayla says
Kellymom is not the only website that states that smoking and breastfeeding is ok. I’ve read it everywhere. Honestly, u just sound bias to the whole website its self. There’s no research saying its harmful or not. I’m sure it isn’t good. But I will tell u that its better than artifical man made milk. Have you looked at the ingredients in formula? The 20+ingredients! Get a can, sounds gross already because its in a can. Search each ingredient. After let me know what u think. I’ve done it. I was disgusted with what I read. Sids is higher who’s parents smoke in the same room, house or car. There is no proof that breastfeeding and smoking causes sids. Or an increased chance.You are right, its best not to breastfeed and smoke, drink, do drugs etc.Its not.good to eat Mc Donalds, go to dinner with all the high salt contents etc. My point is everyone has the right to do what they feel is right for them and their children. After u read all the ingredients u will find that breastfeeding will win
Smoking or not.
jayla says
I meant to add, I don’t judge people who choose to formula feed. Its something society has choosen to do over time. Its more acceptable to formula feed than BF. I come from a very large family. Between my siblings we’ve created 15 children 😀 Only 5 were bf. I don’t judge them
But I do and will encourage them to bf. Its the best for your child. Kellymom is a great site. Especially for FTM’s.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You seem like a reasonably intelligent person, so you’re probably capable of sifting through the BS on KellyMom, but, honestly, KellyMom writes a ton of biased, degrading articles making moms feel like formula is poison and if you have to formula feed, you’re an inadequate mother. I don’t think it’s a good resource for the average FTM, as KellyMom is not supportive of all moms – just a specific type of sanctimommy.
Curious says
What’s a “sanctimommy”?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
1. sanctimommy
A parent who is overly devoted, micromanaging the lives of their children, from the food they ingest to the activities they participate in. Sanctimommies look down their noses at those who are more liberal in their parenting approach.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=sanctimommy
Curious says
I actually asked what a “santimommy” was, since that’s what you’d originally written. So I don’t appreciate you changing my post and my wording. It’s much more professional to let readers’ comments stand as they are and to address them as they are rather than to edit them in this fashion. (E.g., you might have written, “Oh, I meant to write ‘sanctimommy.’ That means…”) That way you show the honest dialogue that’s occurring in the way that it is actually occurring, rather than put words into other people’s mouths.
Regardless – so you’re actually saying that KellyMom is only supportive of parents who are overly devoted, micromanaging the lives of their children, looking down their noses at those who have more liberal parenting approaches, etc.? Wow – who’s the one really looking down her nose here…
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I did not change your wording in any way. I amended my original typo, and I amended your comment to reflect that. I own this site. Editing a typo is my prerogative – my decision to make.
For the record, I don’t have to approve your asinine response to an edit, but I am approving it because I have nothing to hide.
Right now, you’re trying to micromanage my approach to blog management. So, congratulations on making an ass out of yourself, and thanks for the traffic.
jckellett says
Golly, why so angry?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m not going to apologize for being passionate.
Eleanor says
Kellymom, and other sites, are for the purposes of supporting breastfeeding. Therefore, the information provided – and the research supporting it – is obviously only there if it will assist woman to breastfeed. That’s not Bias, it’s a purpose.
There are many types of stem cells – some “grow a liver” as you state in your post; others aren’t for organ growth. I’m puzzled why you’re ridiculing a Nurse for stating fact – you misunderstood and have been (repeatedly) corrected – and yet you’re backpedaling instead of admitting that your bias against health professionals who support breastfeeding as the first choice in infant feeding led you to scoff at her without checking your facts.
I haven’t read anything on Kellymom that I haven’t then been able to find credible research from Academic research sources to support it. I don’t know why you felt compelled to write your above post – you are emotive or “passionate” as you say but lacking in facts. It’s a dangerous combination usually.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I have not backpedaled at all. I’m not bias “against health professionals who support breastfeeding as the first choice”. That is ridiculous. I breastfed my son for as long as my body allowed, and I plan on breastfeeding any future children. I agree that breastfeeding is better than formula in most cases. I’m against misinformation, I have read all the sources provided, and I have fact-checked those sources with the most up to date research before responding to comments.
KellyMom is incredibly one sided. Facts are facts – you can’t just provide non-peer reviewed studies that confirm bias and call that “fact-based”. Science doesn’t care about your “purpose”; science is about the truth.
Finally, please don’t think I missed your passive aggressive attempt to call me an idiot. For the record, we are all “lacking in facts” because no one knows everything. So, shove it.
Jenn says
You sound like a terribly bitter person. I agree with your views, but your tone is condescending, aggressive, and frankly unprofessional. When someone disagrees with you, you are overly “passionate” in your response and an opportunity to properly convey your point is tossed aside in favor of spewing classless snark.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
20,000 other readers don’t think so, but thanks for your sharing your opinion.
meandbruceandourzoo says
Just read your post and I have to say – I don’t know where everyone’s anger is coming from. You’re bringing up a great point…breast is not always best. If you have to call out another blog for…so be it. I’ve seen people that smoke, drink alcohol, drink tons of coffee and still breast feed…it’s shocking. I don’t have children yet, I’m pregnant with my first. I plan on breastfeeding but won’t beat myself up if I have to switch to formula.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thank you. It’s great that you’re open-minded about the feeding process. The most important thing is that you and your baby are healthy and happy, and if that means formula it’s not the end of the world. Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🙂
kae says
Hi Mrs. Bottlesoup, I love your posts and mind. Keep it up. People are ignorant and keep digressing from your main point. Poison is poison, even if present in breastmilk. I would not feed my child breastmilk knowingly have taken meds / drugs (cigarettes too). People who do that just spoiled their supply and it is their fault, dump that shit out.. Too bad. Cry over spilled milk, but people who smoke, ingest substances that contaminate their milk is their fault.
Mothers who still smoke and breastfeed without filtering out their milk are poisoning their babies with nicotine + over 200 poisons like toilet cleaner… Those who think it is safe are delusional.
One woman smoked crack and killed her baby, she was tried for murder… It would be doing the same for your baby.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thank you. I think people are so formula-phobic that they allow themselves to be blinded by the true toxicity of drugs in breastmilk. I’ve always agreed that breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition, I nursed my son, and I plan to nurse the baby I’m expecting in February. However, if you need medication, can’t quit smoking, or have some other sort of drug issue, you shouldn’t be poisoning your baby just because you think “breast is best”. It’s just sad.
Parker says
I have to completely agree any mother who can’t stop smoking or drinking while preg and breastfeeding prob shouldn’t get preg!!
Stop Breast feeding if you wanna drink and take pills!! Why or why does the society now days take so many pill we can thank doctors for that! Is life really so hard we need antidepressants! I know it’s hard but really lets be happy and show self control!!
Martha says
You are a fucking idiot
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Cool, thanks for letting me know.